In the late 1940s, after a significant number of Russians emigrated from Europe and China to Melbourne following the war, the Russian community felt the need for a cultural and educational center as well as a place for gatherings and entertainment. The newcomers organized church parishes, as well as social and political associations. Most of them joined the Russian National Representation of Victoria (R.N.P.), which held an anti-communist stance. At a general meeting of the R.N.P. in July 1962, upon the proposal of Yefrem Vasilyevich Mokry, a new branch was created, named the Russian Public Center (R.O.C.), later renamed the Russian House (R.D.). On March 24, 1963, a General Organizational Meeting took place, where the creation of the R.D. was discussed and its charter was approved. This date is considered the birthday of the Russian House. In May, at the second meeting, Y.V. Mokry was elected chairman of the temporary board, which included L.A. Vertinsky, A.N. Vyryubov, A.A. Grinko, P.F. Kachin, M.S. Stefani, V.A. Tyukova, and A.A. Fedorovich. In April 1964, the R.D. became an independent organization, separating from the R.N.P., which was dissolved in 1965. All cultural and educational activities in Melbourne were concentrated in the Russian House, officially registered in June 1967. Intensive fundraising and the search for a suitable venue began in 1965 and were successful in 1967 when an old two-story building in the center of Melbourne was acquired. In 1968, after urgent repairs, the building was consecrated and began to be used from 1969. The apartment and upper hall were rented out, while the lower hall was used by various community organizations. On Sundays, volunteers prepared paid meals. In the early years, cultural and educational work was actively carried out at the Russian House: oral newspapers, concerts, lectures, literary meetings, and exhibitions. In February 1970, the anniversary of Admiral A.V. Kolchak's death was commemorated, and the first Festival of Russian Poets in Australia was held. A library was also organized that year. After Y.V. Mokry's departure in 1971, M.I. Klimetsky became the chairman, holding this position for 25 years. The building was actively used for events, which contributed to the cohesion of the Russian community and the repayment of a loan in 1977. In 1982, part of the Russian House was used for filming series. In the following years, event organization continued, but support weakened due to internal frictions. In 1983, the second Festival of Russian Poets in Australia took place. In 1986, a committee for the 'Celebration of the 1000th Anniversary of the Baptism of Rus' was created, as well as a committee to assist victims of Chernobyl. In 1996, M.I. Stirkul became chairman, a new charter was adopted, and the organization was incorporated. In the early 1990s, the activities of the Russian House quieted down, but resumed in 1998 with the arrival of new members. The building was renovated, and in 2000, an agreement was made to lease the premises to the Russian Ethnic Representation, which strengthened the financial position of the Russian House. Currently, various Russian community organizations are housed in the Russian House.